If you love desserts that balance sweet richness with fresh citrus brightness, lemon curd cookies deserve a place in your baking rotation.
These delicate cookies pair a tender, buttery base with a silky lemon curd center that melts slightly as it bakes, creating a soft edge, gently chewy middle, and a burst of sunny lemon flavor in every bite.
Perfect for afternoon tea, holiday platters, spring gatherings, or everyday treats, lemon curd cookies look elegant yet are surprisingly simple to prepare.
Why Lemon Curd Cookies Stand Out
Unlike traditional lemon cookies where citrus is mixed into the dough, this recipe features a vibrant lemon curd filling tucked into the center.
The contrast between the rich, melt-in-your-mouth cookie and the tangy, glossy curd creates layers of flavor and texture that feel bakery-special without complicated steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookie Dough
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Egg yolk
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Baking powder
- Salt
For the Filling
- Thick lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
Optional garnish: powdered sugar or fresh lemon zest after baking.
How to Make Lemon Curd Cookies Step by Step
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until pale, fluffy, and creamy.
This step incorporates air, giving the cookies their soft, delicate texture.
Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla until smooth and fully combined.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
Cornstarch is the secret to that tender, melt-away crumb.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms.
Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies light.
3. Chill the Dough
Cover and refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes.
Chilling firms the butter, making the dough easier to shape and helping the cookies hold their form while baking.
4. Shape the Cookies
Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll small portions of dough into smooth balls and place them on the sheet with space between each.
Gently press a thumbprint indentation into the center of each ball—without pressing through the bottom.
5. Add the Lemon Curd
Spoon a small amount of lemon curd into each indentation.
Use just enough to fill the center without overflowing during baking.
6. Bake Until Lightly Golden
Bake until the edges are set and pale golden while the centers remain soft.
The lemon curd will warm and thicken into a glossy citrus core.
Let the cookies cool briefly on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Finish and Serve
Dust with powdered sugar or sprinkle with fresh lemon zest for a bright, bakery-style finish.
Serve once fully cooled for the best texture.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Curd Cookies
- Use thick lemon curd to prevent spreading.
- Avoid overbaking—these cookies should stay soft and tender.
- Add lemon zest to the dough for extra citrus flavor.
- Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh and delicate.
Final Thoughts
Lemon curd cookies are the perfect meeting point of comfort and elegance.
Their buttery crumb and vibrant citrus center create a refreshing twist on classic cookies—one that feels light, bright, and completely irresistible.
Whether you’re baking for guests, holidays, or a quiet afternoon treat, these cookies bring a little sunshine to every bite.
